Apparatus for securing and sealing a closure cap to a receptacle



J. R. NALBACH ET AL March 21, 1961 APPARATUS FOR SECURING AND SEALING A CLOSURE CAP TO A RECEPTACLE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 5, 1959 rs act? aiodwr eizce 6 W37??? L. MCZCC i Arr-68 March 21, 196] Filed Feb. 5,

-Iil III-- J. R. NALBACH ET A APPARATUS FOR S L ECURING AND SEALING A CLOSURE CAP TO A RECEPTACLE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Lawyer-26c; 6 (086%? o 6 012 [1. M0 CC Zl March 21, 1961 J. R. NALBACH ET AL 2,975,575

APPARATUS FOR SECURING AND SEALING A CLOSURE CAP TO A RECEPTACLE Filed Feb. 5, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 21, 1961 R. NALBACH ETAL 2,975,575

APPARATUS R SECURING AND SEALING A CLOSURE CAP TO A RECEPTACLE Filed Feb. 5, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 "R: mlllmi' jrioertifars Qe/zwE/Vabu Cf? azawrerzce 3 wesffari F0, 98? QZMQ Cc;

i nited States APPARATUS FOR SECURING AND SEALING A CLOSURE CAI TO A RECEPTACLE' Filed Feb. 5, 1959, Ser. No. 791,316

1s Claims. c1. sis-cs This invention relates to apparatus for securing and sealing a. closure cap to a receptacle, and more particularly to a new and improved crimping mechanism of the type for permanently attaching a closure cap within a complementary opening in a thin Wall receptacle such as a can or container in a gas-tight manner which is quickly and easily adjustable to vary the depth and height of the crimp.

The present invention is primarily concerned with the manufacture of receptacles or containers such as aerosol bombs or the like wherein a product such as paint, insecticide, toothpaste, etc. disposed within the receptacle is expelled therefrom by the vapor pressure developed within the receptacle at room temperature by a low boiling point liquid propellant also contained in the receptacle with the dispensed product. The receptacle usually in cludes a cylindrical body closed at its bottom end and having an upper neck portion provided with a central, circular filling opening which is defined by an outwardlyrolled annular bead, the outer surface of which serves as a seat. In the manufacture of aerosol bombs, subsequent to the operation wherein the cylindrical body is filled with a predetermined quantity of the product to be dispensed, a closure cap having a valve device incorporated therein to control dispensing of the product is placed, by hand or machine within the body opening. The closure cap is generally performed with a cup-shaped bottom portion partially defined by a cylindrical wall of slightly less external diameter than the diameter of the body opening so as to loosely enter the opening and a peripheral flange extending radially outwardly from the normally upper end of the cylindrical wall. The flange has a substantially semi-circular cross section and is adapted to engage and overlie the annular bead. Thereafter the lower portion of the cylindrical wall of the closure cap is expanded radially outwardly into sealing relation with the can body by means of an expandible and contractible crimping collet. A suitable gasket carried by the flange is compressed between the wall of the bead and the flange during the closure cap securing operation.

The particular height and depth of the crimp required to insure permanent securement of the closure cap to the container body in a gas-tight manner depends upon the size and shape of the bead surface in relation to the size and shape of the closure cap surface engaged thereby. Obviously, whenever the size and shape relationship of the engaging surfaces is varied, the height and/ or depth of the crimp must likewise be varied. While the manufacturers of the can bodies and closure caps have attempted to fix the relationship within certain manufacturing tolerances, the relationship is oftentimes changed sufliciently by slight variations in the metal thickness of the can body andcap, worn dies utilized to form the can opening and closure cap, etc. that a poor joint between the can body and closure cap results with a crimp size based on such fixed relationship. height and depth of the crimp will also vary as the crimping collet and other parts of the crimping mechanism Furthermore, the

2,975,575 Patented Mar, 21, 1961 wear during use. It is, therefore, an important objective of the present invention to provide a novel crimping mechanism wherein the depth as well as the height of the metal crimp resulting from the operation of the crimping mechanism may be adjusted readily and accurately to obtain the correct size crimp to permanently join a closure cap to a can body in a gas-tight manner.

Another object is the provision of means on a crimping mechanism for automatically and correctly aligning the closure cap within the can body opening during the crimping stroke of the mechanism but prior to the commencement of the crimp-forming movement of the crimping collet.

Still another object is to provide a unique crimping collet and means for mounting the collet on the crimping apparatus whereby the force required during the crimping stroke of the crimping apparatus is considerably less than that required in similar, prior mechanisms of the type and the collet is easily and quickly replaceable without the need of dismantling the mechanism.

A still further object is the provision of novel inexpensive sealing means whereby the dirt, grit, and other foreign elements are prevented from entering the apparatus to adversely afiect the operation thereof.

The foregoing and other important objects and de sirable features inherent in and encompassed by the invention, together with the many purposes and uses thereof, will become readily apparent from a reading of the insuing description in conjunction with the annexed drawings in which Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a closure cap securing apparatus embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in Figure l, but of a slightly larger scale and partly in section;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 illustrating the relative position assumed by the various parts and components of the apparatus at one point during the operational cycle of the apparatus;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 except that the parts and components are shown in another position corresponding to a different point during the cycle of operation of the apparatus;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, but of a slightly larger scale and illustrating the arrangement of the parts and components of the crimping apparatus at still another point during the cycle of operation of the apparatus;

Figure 6 is a sectional viewtaken substantially along line 66 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional View taken substantially along the line 7-7 of Figure 6;

Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged fragmentary views, partially in section, illustrating, in sequence, the manner in which mis-aligned closure caps are .righted prior to engagement of the cap by the crimping collet;

Figure 10 is an enlarged detailed view, in section of the position of the collet in its contracted position in relation to the surfaces of the can body and closure cap to be joined; and

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 with the excepa tion that the crimping collet is shown in its fully expanded position.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like elements throughout the various views, numeral 10 represents an exemplary form of can or container, adapted to be operated upon by the apparatus forming the subject matter of the invention. The can 10 includes a generally cylindrical body 11 having the bottom thereof sealed by a wall 12 integrally formed therewith or secured thereto in any suitable manner. In a similar manner, the upper end of the cylindrical. body 11 is provided with a head 13 having a generally frusto-conically shaped neck portion 14. As best illustrated in Figure the neck portion 14 is provided with a central, circular filling opening 15 defined by an annular, outwardly-rolled head 16 having asubstantially circular cross section.

The opening 15 is adapted to be closed and sealed, after the body 11 is filled with the product to be dispensed, by a closure cap designated generally by numeral 17. The closure cap 17 is preformed to have a substantially cup-shaped portion 18. The upper end of the cylindrical wall 19 of the cup-shaped portion 18 is integrally formed with a radially outwardly extending annular-flange 20 having a substantially semi-circular cross section, as best shown in Figures 10 and 11. The closure cap 17 also includes an axially extending spout 21 in which is disposed a valve device (not shown) of conventional design for controlling emission of the product contained within the receptacle 10.

The apparatus for permanently securing and sealing the closure cap 17 within the opening 15 of the cylindrical body 11 and which forms the subject matter of the invention includes a horizontal receptacle supporting base or platform 22, shown somewhat diagrammatically in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4. After the cylindrical bodies '11 are filled with their contents, a closure cap 17 is loosely placed in each opening 15, by hand or by machine. Each container 10 is then transported by hand or by means of a suitable can handling machine to the supporting base 22 in an upright position.

A horizontally disposed support plate 23, spaced vertically above and parallel to the top surface of the base 22, is suitably supported above the base 22 by an upright standard or column (not shown). The support plate 23 is provided with a circular opening 24 through which a piston rod 25 is adapted to extend vertically. The piston rod 25 is part of an air actuated piston and cylinder assembly 26, partially shown in Figure 1, suitably mounted on the support plate 23. Suitable control means (not shown) are provided for controlling the supply and exhaust of air under pressure to the piston and cylinder assembly 26 to effect vertical reciprocating movement of the piston rod 25 betweenits fully retracted position, shown in Figure l, and its fully extended position, shown in Figure 5. r

The support plate 23 is provided with a pair of threaded holes 27 on diametrically opposite sides of the opening 24 adapted to threadingly receive respective threaded ends of a pair of elongated support posts 28. Suitable lock nut and washer means 29 are utilized to firmly fasten the support posts 28 to the plate 23. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the support posts 28 depend from the plate 23 and are arranged parallel with respect to each other. The lower end sections of the posts 28 are provided threads and are adapted to freely extend through apertures 30 formed through a stop plate 31. A pair of clamping nuts 32 carried by the lower end section of each post 28 on respective opposite surfaces of the Stop plate 31 are used to secure the stop plate 31 to the posts 28.' It will be appreciated that the position of the stop plate 31 along the longitudinal axes of the posts 28 may be changed by rotating the clamping nuts 32 which varies the vertical spacing between the stop plate 31 and the base 22 as well as between the support plate 23 and the stop plate 31. A suitable lock or jam nut 33 is also threaded onthe lower end section of each support post 28 for maintaining the adjusted vertical position of the plate 31.

The stop plate 31 is provided with a circular opening 34 in vertical alignment with the opening 24 of the support plate 23 and of slightly larger external diameter than an open-ended, cylindrical sleeve 35 which extends vertically through the opening 34. An external groove 36 is formed in the sleeve 35 adjacent the upper end thereof in which a snap ring 37, of conventional design, is disposed. The snap ring 37 serves as a stop ring inasmuch as it is adapted to engage the top annular surface of the stop plate 31 encircling the opening 34 to limit the extent of vertical downward movement permitted between the sleeve 35 and the stationary stop plate 31.

The piston rod 25 has a reduced-diameter, lower end section 38 to provide an annular, radially extending shoulder 39. The end section 38 is adapted to be inserted in a vertically extending recess 40 provided in an enlarged upper end portion 41 of an elongated mandrel, designated generally by numeral 42. The end section 38 of the piston rod 25 is provided with an annular groove 43 which is adapted to be in radial alignment with a plurality of threaded apertures 44 (only one is shown in Figure 1) when the end section 38 is inserted in the recess 40 and the shoulder 39 abuts the upwardly. facing end surface of the end portion 41. A set screw 45, received in each aperture 44, is threaded tightly into engagement with the bottom of the groove 43 to firmly attach the mandrel 42 to the piston rod 25 whereby the mandrel 42 and piston rod 25 reciprocate vertically in unison.

The sleeve 35 is provided with aligned bores 46 and 47, the latter bore 47 being of slightly greater diameter than the former to provide an intermediate shoulder 48. The surface 49 of the bore 46 serves as a bearing surface to support an inner sleeve 50 for relative vertical sliding movement. As shown in Figure 2, the exterior surface 51 of the inner sleeve 50, surface 52 of the bore 47 which is radially spaced therefrom, shoulder 48, and an annular flange 53, integrally formed with the upper end of the sleeve 50 and extending radially from the surface 51, define a pocket in which a helically-wound compression spring 54 is disposed. The lower end of the spring 54 bears against the shoulder 48 and its upper end reacts against the annular flange 53. A snap ring 55 is expanded in an internal groove formed in the surface 52 of the bore 47 adjacent the upper end of the outer sleeve 35 and serves as a stop ring for limiting verticalsliding movement of the outer sleeve 35 with respect to the-inner sleeve 50 in one direction by engaging the flange 53. The spring 54 yieldably urges the flange 53 into abutting engagement with the stop ring 55, as shown in Figure 2. Relative vertical sliding movement between the inner and outer sleeves 50, 35 in the opposite direction is limited by a snap ring 56 expanded in an internal, annular groove formed in the surface 49 of the bore 46 adjacent the lower end of the outer sleeve 35 which is adapted to engage the lower end of the' inner ring 50, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. 7

Referring to Figure 2, it will be noted that the inner sleeve 58 is provided with an axially extending bore 57 which has one end opening into an aligned bore 58 of larger diameter. The juncture of the bores 57 and 58 is defined by an annular shoulder 59 which serves as a seat for one end of a helically-wound compression spring 60 encircling the mandrel 42. The mandrel 42 includes a radially extending annular flange 61 axially spaced from the enlarged piston rod attaching portion 41 which has a diameter greater than the diameter of the bore 58 but smaller than the diameter of a bore 62 opening into and in axial alignment with the bore 58. The opposite end of the spring 68 bears against the underside of the flange 61. The mandrel 42 extends through the fligned bores 57, 58, and 62 and the surface 63 of the bore 57 is adapted to slidingly engage the outer surface of the mandrel portion disposed within the bore 57. The annular shoulder 54 defining the juncture of the bores 58 and 62 is adapted to engage the flange 61 of the mandrel 42 to limit relative vertical sliding movement of the mandrel 42 and inner sleeve 50 in one direction and a snap ring 65 disposed in a groove formed in the surface 66 of the bore 62 adjaeent the upper end of the inner sleeve 50 limits relative sliding movement of the same parts in an opposite direction. The spring 60 yieldably maintains the mandrel 42 and the inner sleeve 50 in the position shown in Figure 2 wherein the annular flange 61 is resiliently urged into abutting engagement with the snap ring 65.

An expandible and contractible crimping collet, designated generally by numeral 67, is adapted to be mounted on the lower end of the inner sleeve 50 in such a manner that it may be quickly and easily disassembled from the apparatus for repair, inspection, replacement, etc. and reinstalled on the apparatus without the need of special tools or without the need of dismantling the apparatus. The crimping collet 67 comprises a plurality (six are shown in the drawings) of segmental jaws or fingers 68, each of which has an arcuate, radially extending rounded rib 69 formed on its upper end. As shown in Figure 2, an axial bore 70 extends from the lower end of the sleeve 50. The upper end of the bore 70 is defined by an annular shoulder 71. An annular tapered surface 72 slopes upward and inwardly from the inner circular edge of the shoulder 71 to the lower end of the surface 63 of the bore 57. The outer face of each segmental finger 68 is provided with a groove 73 which is in circular alignment with the grooves 73 formed in the other fingers 68 of the collet 67. A circular coiled spring 74 is seated in the grooves 73 to maintain the fingers 68 in their assembled relationship and to yieldably urge the collet 67 to its contracted condition, illustrated in Figure 2. The assembled crimping collet 67 is adapted to be inserted in the bore 70 with the ribs 69 engaging the shoulder 71 and the surface 75 defining the bore 70. A collet support ring or washer 76, adapted to engage the undersides of the ribs 69, is held in place by a snap ring 77 expanded in groove formed in the surface 75 of the bore 70 adjacent the lower end of the inner sleeve 50. From the foregoing, it will be appreoiated that the support washer 76, shoulder 71 and the surface 75 of the bore 70 define a pocket in which the ribs 69 are confined and the surface defining the pocket permits the collet fingers 68 to pivot between a position corresponding to the contracted condition of the collet 67, shown in Figure 2, and a position corresponding to the radially expanded condition of the collet 67, illustrated in Figure 5. It will also be appreciated that the entire collet 67 may be quickly and easily diasssembled from the inner sleeve 50 merely by removing the snap ring 77 and the support ring 76 without disturbing the assembled relationship of the other parts of the apparatus. The fingers 63 depend below the low end of the inner sleeve 50 and end of each finger 68 opposite the rib 69 thereof is provided with a rounded crimp-forming lip 78. As illustrated in Figure 2, when the collet 67 is in its contracted condition the inner faces 79 are inclined upwardly and outwardly forming an upwardly-flaring or inverted frusto-conically shaped bore 80 extending through the collet 67.

The collet actuator or expander member 81 includes an enlarged cylindrical head 82 provided with an inverted frusto-conically shaped camming tip 83. The inner wedge faces 79 of the collet 67 are adapted to be engaged by the cumming tip 83 when the mandrel 42 is moved axially downwardly with respect to the collet 67 to rock the fingers 68 and radially expand the collet 67. The end of the collet actuator 81 opposite the head 82 is in the form of an externally threaded section 84 which is adapted to be threaded into a threaded recess 85 extending axially from the lower end face of the mandrel 42. It will be appreciated that by turning the collet actuator 81 with respect to the mandrel 42 the vertical position of the c amming tip 83 with respect to the inner wedge faces 79 may be varied. The significance and purpose of this adjustment feature will be pointed out hereinafter. As best illustrated in Figure 7, the enlarged head 82 of the actuator 81 is provided with a hexagonally-sh aped socket 86 whereby a suitable tool may be inserted therein to turn the actuator with respect to the mandrel 42. A core 87 extends axially from the end of the threaded section 84 opposite the head 82 which opens into an aligned bore 88 of larger diameter. The bore 88, in turn, opens into the socket 86. The juncture of the bores 87 and S8 is defined by an annular shoulder 89. The shank 90 of a bolt 91 is adapted to extend through the bore 84 and the threaded end thereof is engageable with the threads of a threaded recess 92 extending axially from the bore 85. Once the desired adjustment of the collet actuator 81 is made the bolt 91 is turned until the head 93 thereof tightly abuts the annular shoulder 89 to maintain the adjusted position of the collet actuator by preventing turning of the actuator with respect to the mandrel 42. To readjust the position of the actuator 81, the bolt 91, is unthreaded from the recess 92 suificiently to permit turning of the actuator 81 and, after the new adjustment is obtained, the bolt 91 is retightened to lock the actuator to the mandrel 42.

As best illustrated in Figure 5, the lower end section 94 of the outer sleeve is provided with external screw threads which are cooperable with internal threads formed in a split clamping ring bell carrier 95. A substantially annular shoulder 96 is formed in the bell carrier at the juncture ofthe threaded section 97 and a bore 98 of larger diameter and in axial alignment therewith. The bell, designated generally by numeral 99, is adapted to be mounted within the bore 98 with its upwardly facing peripheral edge seated upon the shoulder 96. A snap ring 190 disposed in an internal groove formed in the carrier 95 adjacent the lower end thereof is utilized to maintain the bell carrier 95 and bell 99 firmly connected together. It will be appreciated that by turning the bell carrier 95 with respect to the outer sleeve 35 the vertical position of the bell 99 with respect to collet 67 may be varied. Once the desired adjustment of the bell 99, the bell carrier 95 is firmly clamped to the outer sleeve 35 by means of a bolt 191, extending through the ends of the carrier, and a nut 182.

The bell 99 is formed wtih a central opening 163 for accommodating the spout 21 of the closure cap 1'7 as the outer sleeve 35 descends during the crimping operation. The opening 163 is encircled by an annular anvil surface 104 which is arcuately-shaped in oross section and corre sponds approximately to the curvature of the outer surface of the closure cap flange 26 so that during the crimpforming operation when the outer sleeve 35 is lowered and assumes the position shown in Figure 3, the anvil surface 104 Will engage the major portion of the cap flange 29 and thereby hold the closure cap 17 firmly in place on the neck 14 of the container 11 and prevent distortion of the flan e 20 as the collet 67 is expanded to crimp the cap 17 to the container 11.

Oftentimes, the closure cap 17 to be secured and sealed to the neck 14 of a container 10 is inadvertently canted or improperly seated on the head 16 at the commencement of the crimp-forming stroke of the apparatus. Heretofore, if the operator of the apparatus did not take the time to properly seat the closure cap within the opening 15 prior to the descending stroke of the apparatus the improperly seated closure cap 17 and various parts of the apparatus such as the bell and crimp forming collet would oftentimes be damaged and have to be replaced or repaired. The damage and breakage of the apparatus parts experienced with prior crimping apparatuses when such an event occurs is avoided by the apparatus forming the subject matter of the invention by providing the bell 99 with an annular capaligning surface 105 which slopes downwardly and outwardly from the lower edge of the anvil surface 194. The manner in which the cap-aligning surface functions to properly align misaligned closure caps 17 is sequentially illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Assuming that the cap 17 is improperly positioned within the opening 15, as shown in Figure 8, as the outer sleeve 35 descends the cap-aligning surface 105 engages the uppermost portion of the curved flange 20. Because the capaligning surface 105 is formed as described above the cap 17 is cammed transversely into its proper seating 7 relationship with the bead 16, illustrated in Figure 9, as the bell 99 continues to move vertically downwardly.

The operation of the crimp-forming apparatus is sequentially illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5. Referring to Figure 2, the apparatus is shown in the position it normally occupies with reference to the containersupporting base 22 when at rest at the start of the crimpforming stroke. The piston rod is fully retraced and the inner sleeve and the mandrel 42 are resiliently urged into abutting engagement with the upper stop rings 55 and 65, respectively. it will be noted that the stop ring 37 fastened to the upper end of the outer sleeve 35 is vertically spaced above the stop plate 31 and consequently, the bell 99 is vertically spaced sufli ciently from the top surface of the base 22. to permit the positioning of a container body 11 having a closure cap 17 loosely mounted thereon beneath the bell 99 in an axial alignment therewith. Locating means (not shown) may be provided on the support base 22 for accurately positioning the container body 11 in axial alignment with the bell 99. The air control means is then conditioned so as to admit air under, pressure to the air actuated piston and cylinder assembly 26-to cause the mandrel 42 to move vertically downwardly. The inner and outer sleeves 50, 35, respectively, descend in unison with the mandrel '42 until the anvil surface 104 of the bell 99 abuts and substantially overlies the outer surface 106 of the rounded flange 2% of the closure cap 17, as shown in Figure 3, and the stop ring 37 of the outer sleeve 35 engages the top surface of the stop plate 31 to limit further downward movement of the outer sleeve 35. It will be appreciated that the vertical disposition of the stop plate 31 with respect to the base 22 is adjusted along the support posts 28 prior to the commencement of the crimp-forming stroke of the appa ratus so that the stop ring 37 engages the stop plate 31 simultaneously with the engagement of the anvil surface 104 with the outer surface 166 of the rounded closure cap flange 20.

Because of the fact that the compression spring 66 exerts a considerably greater biasing force on the inner sleeve 50 than the spring 54, the spring 54 is compressed as the mandrel 42 and inner sleeve 50 continue to move downwardly with respect to the outer sleeve 35 from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 4. Referring to Figure 4, it will be noted that the crimp-forming tips 78 are disposed within the cupshaped portion 18 of the closure cap 17 and are radially spaced inwardly of the cylindrical wall 19 when further downward movement of the inner sleeve 51 is arrested by engagement of the lower end thereof with the snap ring 56. Downward movement of the mandrel 42 is now elfected against the action of the inner spring 60. The relative downward movement of the mandrel 42 with respect to the inner sleeve 54} will cause the inverted frnsto-conical tip 83 of the collet actuator 82 to engage the inclined inner faces 79 of the fingers 68 and pivot the fingers 68 causing the crimp-forming tips 78 to be forced radially outwardly against the biasing action of the circular collet contracting spring 74. The fully expanded condition of the collet 67 is reached when further downward movement of the mandrel 4-2 is arrested by engagement of the radial flange 61 with the inner sleeve shoulder 64. As the collet 67 is being expanded from its contracted condition, shown in Figures 4 and 10, to its fully expanded condition, illustrated in Figures 5 and 11, the metal of the cylindrical wall 19 of the closure cap cup-shaped portion 18 is crimped or expanded radially outwardly by the rounded crimp-forming tips 78 of the collet 67 into rigid engagement with the head 16. A suitable gasket 197 carried by the underside of the rolled flange is tightly compressed between the flange 20 and the bead 16 during expansion of the collet 67 and as a result a permanent, leak-proof joint is provided between the closure cap 17 and the neck 14'of the container 19. The anvil surface 8 104 which constantly engages substantially the entire outer surface 106 of the rolled flange 20 as the collet 67 is being expanded serves as a support or backing therefor to prevent unwanted deformation or collapse of the flange 20 and/or the head 16 by the outwardly force exerted by the crimp-forming tips 78.

At the end of the capping operation, the piston rod 25 is retracted causing the mandrel 42 and the collet actuator 82 to be elevated relatively to the collet 67. As the cam-ming tip 83 slides vertically upwardly with respect to the inclined inner faces of the collet fingers 68, the endless spring 74 contracts the fingers 68. The mandrel 42 continues to be elevated alone until the flange 61 engages the stop ring 65 whereupon the inner sleeve 50 and the collet 67 are elevated therewith. It will be appreciated that the camping tip 83 is out of engagement with the inner faces 79 of the collet fingers 6% and the collet 67 is in its fully contracted condition at the point during the return stroke when the inner sleeve 50 begins to move upwardly with the mandrel 42, as shown in Figure 4. The mandrel 42 and inner sleeve 50 are elevated in unison with respect to the outer sleeve 35 until the flange 53 engages the stop ring 55. During this phase of the return stroke the collet 67 is in its contracted condition and is withdrawn from the cup-shaped portion 18 of the closure cap 17. Thereafter, the mandrel 42, inner sleeve 50 and outer sleeve 35 are raised in unison and when the mandrel. 42 is in its normal position illustrated in Figure 2, corresponding to the fully retracted position of the piston rod 25, the bell 99 is spaced vertically sufficiently above the secured closure cap 17 to permit removal of the finished container it from the can-supporting base 22.

As pointed out hereinbefore, itis a primary objective of the invention to provide means for adjusting the apparatus, whereby the height 103 and the depth 109 of the metal crimp resulting from the operation of the apparatus may be varied. Referring to Figure 11, it will be appreciated that the height 108 of the metal crimpis determined by the vertical distance between the collet finger tips 78 and the anvil surface 104 when the collet 67 and bell 99 are in their lowermost positions and the collet 67 is fully expanded. Thus, the crimp height 108 may be varied by adjusting the vertical disposition of the anvil surface 104 with respect to the collet finger tips 78 which adjustment is accomplished by rotating the bell carrier 95 with respect to the outer sleeve 35. As an example, assuming that it was desired to increase the height of the crimp from that illustrated in Figure 11, the bolt 101 and nut 102 would be loosened sufliciently to' permit turning of the bell carrier 95 with respect to the outer sleeve 35 in a direction to cause the bell 99 to move vertically upwardly. When the desired vertical spacing between the anvil surface 104 and the collet finger tips 78 was obtained, the bolt 101 and nut 102 would be retightened to maintain the adjusted position of the bell carrier 95 on the outer sleeve 35.

The depth 109 of the metal crimp is determined by the radial spacing of the collet finger tips 78, when the collet 67 is in its fully expanded condition, with respect to the vertical longitudinal axis of the mandrel 42, and such radial spacing of the collet finger tips 78, in turn, is dependent upon the vertical position of the collet actuator camming tip 83 with respect to the inclined inner faces 79 of the collet fingers 68 when the radial flange 61 is in engagement with the annular shoulder 64 of the inner sleeve 50. Thus, by varying the maximum vertical distance that the carnming tip 83 can extend into the tapered bore from the large upper end thereof during the crimp-forming stroke of the apparatus, the maximum radial spacing of the collet finger tips 78 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel is varied and, consequently, the depth 109 of the metal crimp is also varied. Hence, to increase the depth 109 of the crimp, from that illustrated in Figure 5, the lock bolt 91 would be unthreaded sufficiently' to permit rotation of the collet actuator 31 relatively to the mandrel 42' in a direction to increase the vertical distance between the camming tip 83 with respcct to the radial flange 61. Thereafter, the lock bolt 91 would be retightened to prevent inadvertent turning of the collet actuator 81 with respect to the mandrel d2 while the apparatus is in use. Thus, the newly adjusted carnming tip 83 would extend further into the bore 80 than the camming tip 83 shown in Figure 5 and because of the conical nature of the bore 80 a greater outward expansion of the collet finger tips 78 would be effected.

From the foregoing, it is believed apparent that the height 108 and the depth 109 of the metal crimp obtained by the apparatus described above may be easily and quickly adjusted. Furthermore, because of the unique manner in which the collet 67 and. the bell 99 are mounted on the inner sleeve 50 and the bell carrier 95, respectively, it is a relatively simple matter to remove the collet 67 and/or the bell 99 for repair or inspection and to subsequently reassemble them on the apparatus. It is also believed apparent that collets and bells of sizes other than that shown in the drawings may be used with the apparatus to accommodate containers having openings of various sizes.

As stated hereinbefore, the apparatus is provided with means for mitigating the possibility of contamination of the products contained within the can 10 during the capping operation by leakage or lubricant from the bearing surfaces and to also protect such bearing surfaces from dirt, dust, etc. which could adversely affect the operation of the apparatus. The sealing means includes an accordion-like boot 110 which encircles the mandrel 42. The upper end of the boot 110 is suitably fastened to the enlarged end portion 41 by means of a strap clamp 111 and a strap clamp 112 is employed to secure the lower end of the boot 110 to end portion of the outer sleeve 35 above the stop ring 37.

The embodiment of the invention chosen for the purposes of illustration and description herein is that preferred for achieving the objects of the invention and developing the utility thereof in the most desirable manner, due regard being had to existing factors of economy, simplicity of design and construction, production methods, and the improvements sought to be effected. It will be appreciated that the particular structural and functional aspects emphasized herein are not intended to exclude, but rather to suggest, such other modifications and adaptations of the invention as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said bead, comprising annular anvil surface movable vertically downwardly into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange; to maintain said curved flange on said bead an expansible and contractible collet having a plurality of circumferentially-spaced crimp forming tips vertically spaced above said anvil surface, said collet being movable vertically downwardly in unison with said anvil surface until said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange; and means for providing a lost motion connection between saidcollet and said anvil surface whereby said collet is capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said anvil surface once said anvil surface abuts said curved flange a predetermined distance to a position wherein said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion and vertically below said anvil surface.

2. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said bead, comprising a substantially horizontal disposed, plate-like bell having an opening therethrough defined by an annular, anvil surface, said bell being movable vertically, downwardly into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange, to maintain said curved flange on said head the bottom side of said bell being provided with a tapered closure cap aligning surface extending divergingly downwardly and radially from the lowermost edge of said annular anvil surface; a crimp-forming collet vertically spaced above said bell, said bell and collet being movable vertically downwardly in unison until said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange; and means for providing a lost motion connection between said collet and bell whereby said collet is capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said bell one said anvil surface abuts said curved flange a predetermined distance to a position wherein it extends through said bell opening and the lowermost portion thereof is disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface.

3. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said bead, comprising an annular anvil surface, the radius of curvature of said surface in vertical cross-section conforming substantially to the radius of curvature of said closure cap flange said anvil surface being movable vertically downwardly into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange; an expansible and contractible collet having a plurality of circumferentially-spaced crimp forming tips vertically spaced above said anvil surface said collet being movable vertically downwardly in unison with said anvil surface until said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange means for providing a lost motion connection between said collet and said anvil surface whereby said collet is capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said anvil surface a predetermined distance to a position wherein said anvil surface encircles said collet and said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface; and manually adjustable means for varying the vertical distance said tips are spaced below said anvil surface at the completion of said. relative vertical downward movement of said collet for said predetermined distance with respect to said anvil surface.

4. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said head, comprising, a movable annular anvil surface, the radius of curvature of said surface in vertical cross-section conforming substantially to the radius of curvature of said closure cap flange, said anvil surface being movable into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange; an expansible and contractib le collet having a plurality of circumferentially spaced crimp-forming tips; means for providing a lost motion connection between said collet and said anvil surface whereby said collet is capable of moving with respect to said anvil surface a predetermined distance in a particular direction to a position wherein said anvil surface encircles said collet and said tips are disposed within said cupll. shaped portion below said anvil surface; and manually adjustable means for varying the vertical distance said tips are spaced below said anvil surface at the completion of said relative movement of said collet for said predetermined distance in said particular direction with respect to said anvil surface.

5. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said bead, comprising an annular anvil surface, the radius of curvature of said surface in vertical cross section conforming substantially to the radius of curvature of said closure cap flange, said anvil surface being movable vertically downwardly into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange; to maintain said curved flange on said bead an expansible and contractible collet having a plurality of circumferen-tially spaced crimp-forming tips vertically spaced above said anvil surface, said crimp forming tips being movable radially outwardly from a contracted position to an expanded position, said collet being movable vertically downwardly in unison with said anvil surface until said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange; means for providing a lost motion connection between said collet and said anvil surface whereby said collet is capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said anvil surface once said anvil surface abuts said curved flange a predetermined distance to a position wherein said anvil surface encircles said collet and said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface; and actuator means movable vertically a predetermined distance with respect to said collet and anvil surface when said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange and said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface to operatively engage said collet and effect radial movement of said tips to their expanded posi tion to crimp said cylindrical Wall into abutting engagement with said bead.

6. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said head, comprising a vertically arranged, vertically movable outer sleeve; a substantially horizontally disposed plate-like bell having an opening therethrough defined by an annular anvil surface, the radius of curvature of surface in vertical cross section conforming substantially to the radius of curvature of said closure cap flange; means for operatively connecting said bell to the lower end of said sleeve for vertical movement in unison whereby vertical movement of said sleeve downwardly a predetermined distance causes said anvil surface to abut said closure cap flange; an inner sleeve disposed within and arranged coaxially with respect to said outer sleeve; an expansible and con tractible collet including a plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers vertically spaced above said anvil surface each of said fingers having its upper end pivotally supported on the lower end of said inner sleeve and its lower end provided with a crimp-forming tip, said tips being movable radially outwardly from a contracted position to an expanded position upon pivoting of said fingers respect to said outer sleeve a predetermined distance to a position wherein said anvil surface encircles said collet and said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface; and actuator means slidably supported by said inner sleeve said actuator means and being movable vertically downwardly a predetermined distance with respect to said inner and miter sleeves when said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange and said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface to operatively engage said collet fingers to pivot them outwardly to effect radial movement of said tips to their expanded position to crimp said cylindrical wall into abutting engagement with said bead.

7. A11 apparatus substantially as set forth in claim 6, in which, said means for operatively connecting said bell to the lower end of said outer sleeve includes a substantially annular bell carrier supported on the lower end of said outer sleeve, and quick detachable means for securing said bell to said bell carrier.

8. An apparatus substantially as set forth in claim 6,

in which, said means for operatively connecting said bell to the lower end of said outer sleeve includes manually operable means for adjusting the position of said bell along the vertical, longitudinal axis of said outer sleeve to vary the vertical distance said tips are spaced below said anvil surface at the completion of said relative vertical downward movement of said inner sleeve for said predetermined distance with respect to said outer sleeve.

9. An apparatus substantially as set forth in claim 6, in which, the bottom side of said bell is provided with a tapered closure cap aligning surface extending divergingly downwardly and radially from the lowermost edge of said annular anvil surface.

10. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical Wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said bead, comprising an expansible and contractible collet including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced fingers, each of said fingers having its upper end pivotally supported and its lower end provided with a crimp-forming tip, said tips being movable radially outwardly from a contracted position to an expanded position upon pivoting of said fingers outwardly, the inner faces of said fingers being inclined downwardly and inwardly from the upper ends of the fingers and efining a tapered bore extending vertically through the collet; a vertically movable mandrel arranged in vertical alignment with the longitudinal axis of said tapered bore; means operatively connecting said collet and mandrel whereby said collet and mandrel are movable vertically downwardly in unison until said crimp-forming tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion; said means providing a lost motion connection whereby said mandrel is capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said collet when said crimp-forming tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion; cooperable stop means operatively fixed to said mandrel and collet and engageable for positively limiting relative vertical downward movement of said mandrel with respect to said collet; a collet actuator member having one end provided with a frustoconical camming surface; and means operatively connecting said actuator member to the lower end of said mandrel whereby said mandrel and actuator member are vertically movable in unison, said camming surface moving vertically downwardly through said tapered bore as said mandrel moves vertically downwardly with respect to said collet and adapted to slidingly engage said inner faces of said fingers and thereby efiect outward pivoting of said fingers. 11. An apparatus substantially as set forth in claim 10, in which, said means operatively connecting said actuator member to the lower end of said mandrel includes manually operable means for adjusting the position of said camming surface along the vertical axis of said mandrel with respect to said stop means operatively fixed to said mandrel whereby the vertical position assumed by said carnming surface with respect to said finger inner faces when said cooperable stop means are in engagement may be changed and thus the radial spacing between said crimp-forming tips and the vertical axis of said tapered bore when said tips are in their expanded position may be varied.

12. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular head, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said bead, comprising a vertically arranged sleeve; an expansible and contractible collet including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced fingers, each of said fingers having its lower end provided with a crimp-forming tip and the inner faces of said fingers being inclined downwardly and inwardly from the upper ends thereof and defining a tapered boreextending vertically through the collect, said tips being movable radially outwardly from a contracted position to an expanded position; spring means biasing said tips to their contracted position; quick detachable means for pivotally connecting the upper ends of said fingers to the lower end of said sleeve; a vertically movable mandrel extending into said sleeve and in vertical alignment with the longitudinal axis of said tapered bore; means operatively connecting said sleeve and mandrel whereby said sleeve and mandrel are movable vertically downwardly in unison until said crimpforming tips are disposedwithin said cup-shaped portion, said means including means providing a lost motion connection whereby said mandrel is capable of moving verticallydownwardly with respect to said sleeve when said crimp-forming tips are disposed within said cupehaped portion, stop means on said mandrel, and stop means on said sleeve engageable with said stop means on said mandrel for positively limiting relative vertical downward movement of said mandrel with respectto said sleeve; a collet actuator member having one end provided with a frusto-conical camming surface; and means operatively connecting said actuator member to the lower end of saidmandrel whereby said mandrel and actuator mem ber are vertically movable in unison, said camming surface moving vertically downwardly through said tapered bore as said mandrel moves vertically downwardly with respect to said sleeve and adapted to slidingly engage said inner faces of said fingers and thereby effect outward pivoting of said fingers.

13. An apparatus substantially as set forth in claim 12, in which, said means operatively connecting said actuator member to the lower end of said mandrel includes an axially extending, threaded recess formed in the lower end of said mandrel, the end section of said actuator member opposite said camming surface provided with threads cooperable with said mandrel threaded recess whereby the axial spacing of said camming surface with respect to said stop means on said mandrel may be varied by rotating said actuator member with respect to said mandrel, and releasable lock means for preventing relative rotation between said actuator member and said mandrel.

14. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said head, comprising a vertically arranged outer sleeve; a plate-like bell having a central openingtherethrough defined by an annular anvil surface; a bell carrier; quick detachable means for securing said bell to said bell carrier; means for operatively connecting said bell carrier to the lower end of said sleeve; a vertically movable inner sleeve Within said outer sleeve; means operatively connecting said sleeves whereby said sleeves are movable vertically downwardly in unison until said anvil surface abuts said bead, said means providing a lost motion connection whereby said inner sleeve is capable of moving further vertically downwardly with respect to said outer sleeve a predetermined distance; an expansible and contractible collet including a plurality of circumferentially-spaced fingers, each of said fingers having its lower end provided with a crimp-forming tip and the inner faces of said fingers being inclined downwardly and inwardly from the upper ends thereof and defining a tapered bore extending vertically through the collet, said tips being movable radially outwardly from a contracted position to an expanded position; an endless spring 7 encircling and engaging said fingers for biasing said tips to their contracted position; quick detachable means for pivotally connecting the upper ends of said fingers to the lower end of said inner sleeve; a vertically movable mandrel extending into said inner sleeve and in vertical alignment with the longitudinal axes of said tapered bore and said bell opening; means operatively connecting said inner sleeve and mandrel whereby said inner sleeve and mandrel are movable vertically downwardly in unison said predetermined distance with respect to said outer sleeve until said fingers extend through said bell opening and said crimp-forming tips are disposed within said cupshaped portion, said means including means providing a lost motion connection whereby said mandrel is capable of moving further vertically downwardly with respect to said sleeves, stop means on said mandrel, and stop means on said inner sleeve engageable with said stop means on said mandrel for positively limiting relative vertical downward movement of said mandrel with respect to said sleeves; a collet actuator member having one end provided with a frusto-conical camming surface; and means operatively connecting said actuator member to the lower end of said mandrel whereby said mandrel and actuator member are movable vertically in unison, said camming surface moving vertically downwardly through said tapered bore as said mandrel moves vertically downwardly with respect to said sleeves and adapted to slidinglyengage said inner faces of said fingers and thereby effect outward pivoting of said fingers, said means including manually operable means for adjusting the axial spacing of said camming surface with respect to said stop means on said mandrel.

15. An apparatus substantially as set forth in claim 14, in which, said means for operatively connecting said bell carrier to the lower end of said outer sleeve includes manually operable means for adjusting the vertical spacing relationship of said anvil surface and. said crimpforming tips upon completion of vertical downward movement of said inner sleeve and mandrel.

16. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said head, comprising a substantially horizontally disposed, plate-like bell having an opening therethrough defined by an annular, anvil surface, said bell being movable vertically, downwardly into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange, the bottom side of said bell being provided with a tapered closure cap aligning surface extending divergingly downwardly and radially from the lowermost edge of said annular anvil surface; a crimp-forming collet vertically spaced above said bell, said bell and collet being movable vertically downwardly in unison until said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange; means for providing a lost motion connection between said collet and bell whereby said collet is a capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said bell a predetermined distance to a position wherein it extends through said bell opening and the lowermost portion thereof is disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface; said manually adjustable means for varying the vertical space relationship between said anvil surface and the lowermost portion of said collet at the completion of said relative vertical downward movement of said collet foresaid predetermined distance with respect to said valve.

17. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said bead, comprising an annular anvil surface, the radius of curvature of said surface in vertical cross section conforming substantially to the radius of curvature of said closure cap flange, said anvil surface being movable vertically downwardly into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange; an expansible and contractible collet having a plurality of circumferentially spaced crimp-forming tips vertically spaced above said anvil surface, said crimp forming tips being movable radially outwardly from a contracted position to an expanded position, said collet being movable vertically downwardly in unison with said anvil surface until said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange; means for providing a lost motion connection between said collet and said anvil surface whereby said collet is capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said anvil surface a predetermined distance to a position wherein said anvil surface encircles said collet and said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface; actuator means movable vertically a predetermined distance with respect to said collet and anvil surface when said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange and said tips are disposed within said cupshaped portion below said anvil surface to operatively engage said collet and effect radial movement of said tips to their expanded position to crimp said cylindrical wall into abutting engagement with said bead; and manually adjustable means for varying the maximum expanse of movement of said tips effected by said actuator means as it moves vertically relatively said predetermined distance with respect to said collet and anvil surface.

18. An apparatus for securing a closure cap of the type having a cup-shaped portion and an annular, curved flange extending radially from the upper end of the vertical cylindrical wall of the cup-shaped portion to a wall of a receptacle body having an opening therein defined by an annular bead, said cylindrical wall extending into said opening and said curved flange overlying and resting upon the upper surface of said head, comprising an annular anvil surface, the radius of curvature of said surface in vertical cross section conforming substantially to the radius of curvature of said closure cap flange, said anvil surface being movable vertically downwardly into abutting engagement with said closure cap flange; an expansible and contractible collet having a plurality of circumferentially spaced crimp-forming tips vertically spaced above said anvil surface, said crimp-forming tips being movable radially outwardly from a contracted position to an expanded position, said collet being movable vertically downwardly in unison with said anvil surface until said anvil surface abuts said closure cap flange; means for providing a lost motion connection between said collet and said anvil surface whereby said collet is capable of moving vertically downwardly with respect to said anvil surface a predetermined distance to a position wherein said anvil surface encircles said collet and said tips are disposed within said cup-shaped portion below said anvil surface; and actuator means movable vertically a predetermined distance with respect to said collet and anvil surface when said anvil surface abuts References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Coale Dec. 27, 1904 Foresman Mar. 24, 1959 

